Back in 2002 Microsoft forked out $375 million to acquire UK-based developer Rare, which had previously enjoyed a long prosperous period with Nintendo.

Of course that meant all of Rare's intellectual properties went along for the ride, including Perfect Dark and Banjo Kazooie. However, according to Chris Seavor, former Rare employee and the director behind Conker's Bad Fur Day, a few Microsoft executives also thought they'd picked up Donkey Kong as well, since the developer had made classic titles such as Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong 64.

Speaking on Twitter, Seavor said a few of the top-brass at Microsoft came for a tour around the studios and upon seeing Donkey Kong posters proceeded to get excited about owning the franchise - until Rare corrected them.

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Naturally, Microsoft would have known it wouldn't be getting Donkey Kong, however certain executives within the company clearly thought otherwise. Perhaps they thought the firm would own James Bond too.

Seavor also went on to say Nintendo is "sitting on prime real estate" with its Star Fox franchise and we're sure many fans of Star Fox 64 would agree.

While he's no longer involved with Rare, Seavor is still working hard in the industry and now applies his craft at Gory Detail, which is bringing The Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup to the Wii U and 3DS eShop. You can read more about that game in our exclusive interview with the man himself.

What are your thoughts on the Microsoft executives believing their company owned the rights to DK? Sound off the comment section below.